Drug interactions
Clinafloxacin + Theophylline
Severity: Major
Clinafloxacin and Theophylline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Clinafloxacin, like other quinolones such as enoxacin and ciprofloxacin, inhibits theophylline metabolism. This may produce raised theophylline levels with nausea, tachyarrhythmia and seizures. Clinafloxacin is not marketed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clinafloxacin and Theophylline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated theophylline metabolism by the quinolone.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, otherwise reduce the theophylline dose and monitor serum concentrations closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
- UNIPHYLLIN 200mg prolonged release tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: quinolone antibiotics; "Theophylline has been shown to interact with some quinolone antibiotics including ciprofloxacin and enoxacin which may result in elevated plasma theophylline le") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clinafloxacin with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clinafloxacin and Theophylline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Clinafloxacin, like other quinolones such as enoxacin and ciprofloxacin, inhibits theophylline metabolism. This may produce raised theophylline levels with nausea, tachyarrhythmia and seizures. Clinafloxacin is not marketed.
How serious is the interaction between Clinafloxacin and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, otherwise reduce the theophylline dose and monitor serum concentrations closely.
What other medicines interact with Theophylline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Theophylline with, for example, Riociguat, Adenosine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Theophylline page.
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